A closer look at the best of the best

Danny DiLullo, forward, Lower Merion, senior.

A magician with a soccer ball, the all-Central League selection finished the season with 14 goals and 18 assists. For his effort, the four-year starter was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Adidas East Regional all-American team. He was also a Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association all-state selection.

Chris Harmon, forward, Downingtown West, senior.

The Old Dominion recruit was arguably the area's toughest player to defend. The all-Ches-Mont National Division selection tallied 24 goals and 20 assists.

Joe Sales, forward, Downingtown West, senior.

A proven scorer, the Drexel recruit often put the ball in the net during the first 15 minutes of a match. The all-Ches-Mont National Division selection had a team-leading 35 goals.

Sean Peckham, midfielder, Central Bucks East, senior.

Mr. Smooth on the soccer field, Peckham made things look easy. Often times, they

were

easy for the Lafayette recruit. The two-time Suburban One Continental Conference MVP finished with 14 goals and 16 assists. As was the case last season, he was a NSCAA/Adidas East Regional All-American and PSCA all-state selection.

Kyle Soroka, midfielder, Neshaminy, senior.

The Villanova recruit was the subject of several love/hate relationships. Opposing coaches hated to play against the all-Suburban One National Conference player. But they would have loved to have the versatile athlete on their team. Dominant in the midfield and at the back line, Soroka finished with eight goals.

Travis Cantrell, midfielder, Downingtown West, senior.

The Penn recruit was Mr. Balance. How else can you explain his 19 goals and 19 assists for the season? A four-year starter, the all-Ches-Mont League selection played a vital role on one of the nation's premier programs.

Jordan LeBlanc, midfielder, Haverford School, senior.

Extremely versatile, the Old Dominion recruit can play all field positions and usually did. The Inter-Ac League MVP's presence made his teammates better. The four-year starter finished with eight goals and was named to the PSCA all-state team this season.

Jeff Wimsey, midfielder, Father Judge, senior.

The PSCA all-state selection is regarded by many as the best player in the talent-rich Philadelphia Catholic League. He finished the season with 11 goals and nine assists. Five of his goals were game-winners. The four-year starter was the leading vote-getter as an all-Catholic League Red Division selection.

Brian Forgue, defender, Downingtown West, senior.

The Inquirer's player of the year was the best player in the state. The two-time NSCAA/Adidas all-American was also the heart and soul of the state champion. In addition, Forgue, a Penn State recruit, was a two-time Ches-Mont National Division MVP and PSCA all-state selection.

Nick Bibbs, defender, Lower Merion, senior.

The Central League MVP was the area's best defender not named Brian Forgue. Despite anchoring a stingy back line, he scored several goals. For his effort, Bibbs was a NSCAA/Adidas East Regional all-American and a PSCA all-state selection.

Jake Pickering, goalkeeper, Central Bucks East, senior.

With soft hands and excellent range, Pickering has long been recognized as one of the area's premier netminders. The all-Suburban One Continental Division selection recorded 16 shutouts this season.

- Keith Pompey